SWITZERLAND – Swiss retail company, Migros is launching CoffeeB, the ‘world’s first’ coffee capsule system that does not require a capsule at all.
Branded CoffeeB, a small, fully compostable ball of pressed coffee, has the amenities of conventional capsule systems but does not add to the 100,000 metric tons of coffee capsule waste produced every year.
CoffeeB is encased in a protective layer, patented worldwide by Delica, which forms an oxygen barrier that protects against flavor loss, just as aluminum does.
The protective layer is of natural origin and is therefore completely garden compostable.
The system is completed by the CoffeeB Globe coffee machine with the group’s patented brewing technology.
“With CoffeeB, Migros is combining a full taste experience, convenience and no waste,” says Fabrice Zumbrunnen, President of the General Management of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives.
“We are convinced that with CoffeeB we have developed a technology that meets the needs of today’s consumers and will positively impact the environment.
“The capsule system without a capsule fits 100% with Migros’ sustainability strategy. It is the most important product innovation in the company’s history.”
CoffeeB is a “zero waste” system – by eliminating the aluminum or plastic capsules, large amounts of waste can be avoided.
Even if some part of conventional coffee capsules is recyclable, a large part of it still ends up in the garbage, claims the company.
The sustainability of CoffeeB goes beyond the garden compostability of the “coffee balls.” The machine consists largely of recycled materials and can be repaired by the Migros service points if necessary.
Due to the modular machine design, individual technical components can also be exchanged. Furthermore, the entire system and all types of coffee are 100% CO2 compensated.
The coffee beans come from sustainable cultivation and, depending on the aroma, are either Rainforest Alliance or Organic and Fairtrade certified. All packaging is recyclable.
“The simplicity of CoffeeB hardly gives an idea of how much internal development work and team effort went into the technology,” added Zumbrunnen.
“It took five years from the idea to the launch, and during that time, there were numerous failures. But the vision of developing a waste-free capsule system was always stronger.”
The innovation is available from Migros, Melectronics and Digitec Galaxus throughout Switzerland and France.
It will be launched in Germany in the spring of 2023. Migros says that other markets will follow because there is interest from abroad.
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